Devin Jackson
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Sports Editor/NFL Draft Writer for @PhillyInquirer| Past: @NOLAnews, @wtajnews| Lindenwood University Alumnus| ΦΒΣ #TailClub
Articles by Devin Jackson
Eastern University built a football team from scratch. Billy Crocker made it into ‘something special.’
Billy Crocker’s booming voice carried across the parking lot behind Valley Forge Military School in Chester County off the Main Line. He was giving instructions to his players during a Thursday afternoon practice in late October, the final session of the week. You wouldn’t have known this football team had only been in existence for five years. The practice was structured in a way where players made their way to each drill as if they were programmed to do so.
Reebok is bringing back Allen Iverson’s iconic ‘Question’ shoes — and making some upgrades — 30 years after its debut
When the Sixers drafted Allen Iverson No. 1 overall in the 1996 draft and Reebok signed him to an endorsement deal, his debut shoes took over the basketball shoe industry. Now, 30 years later, Reebok is set to re-release Iverson’s “Question Mid” sneakers, while modernizing the iconic shoe.
The Eagles’ season is unraveling. Here are some early 2027 NFL draft story lines to keep an eye on.
A promising season for the Eagles has quickly headed south after they lost their sixth straight game on Sunday night to the Washington Commanders. Without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and several key starters, the Eagles’ season appears on the brink of unraveling with a playoff push increasingly unlikely.
The HBCU Classic dazzled with two days of signature events. Could Philly expand it even more?
Marqui Adams grinned ear-to-ear as he stood near the 40-yard line of Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday evening, and was told by a passing Delaware State teammate that he was “the best QB in the MEAC.” He was recounting the steps behind Delaware State’s dramatic 36-33 comeback victory, down 17 points in both the first and second halves. The Delaware State quarterback and Neumann-Goretti graduate, was benched earlier in the game after being sacked twice and with the offense stuck in neutral.
HBCU culture was on full display at the Linc for Delaware State vs. Norfolk State
Skip to content Published Nov. 1, 2026 I'm a trending sports reporter for The Inquirer, focusing on the stories that take place off the field. I am the Night Editor for the Sports desk. I also write about college football and cover the NFL draft.
Bringing Lincoln University to Philadelphia for HBCU football was ‘personal’ for Mayor Parker
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker began fanning the tears that were starting to form in her eyes inside the northeast tunnel of Lincoln Financial Field, two hours before her alma mater played in the Eagles’ home stadium on Friday night. A 1994 graduate of Lincoln University, the first degree-granting historically Black college or university, Parker was attempting to put into words what it meant to see the school’s colors, orange and blue, written in the north end zone and wrap the walls of the stadium.
‘Oh heck, no!’: Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson didn’t plan on coaching. Doug Pederson sees why they did.
Doug Pederson was in the car, making the drive to the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio, for a Mid-American Conference game that he was set to be on the microphone for last weekend between Toledo and Western Michigan. The former NFL head coach, now two years removed from coaching the Jaguars, is two months into his new job as a CBS Sports color commentator for college football, and it’s taken him to Fargo, N.D. to Logan, Utah, and beyond.
Lincoln embraces homecoming as HBCU game brings the school back to Philly after 16 years
Charles Thompson and his fraternal twin brother, Noble, lived less than 20 minutes away from Lincoln Financial Field growing up in Chester. Charles is an hour and 22 minutes older than Noble, and they played every sport together growing up. “Every day was about competition,” Noble said. They once held a flag inside the stadium before an Eagles game with their youth football program nine years ago.
Nike celebrates LeBron James and new-look Sixers with Air Force 1 '01 'Philly' shoes
Nike has been active around Philly recently, from commissioning a new mural at Garage Fishtown to a commercial highlighting its “Chosen 2One5″ campaign. Now, it’s adding Philly-inspired sneakers to the mix. Nike is celebrating LeBron James’ arrival to the city with Air Force 1 ’01 shoes, in a colorway matching the 76ers’ colors. The low-top shoe has a white leather base color, white shoelaces, blue on the toe box and side panels, and a red Nike swoosh.
Yale took a chance on Delco’s Abu Kamara. Four years later, he’s catching the NFL’s eye.
Kevin Cahill slightly leaned back in his chair — which was visible on a Zoom call — as he recollected a play Yale defensive back Abu Kamara made two weeks ago in practice. The 47-year-old coach, who took over the program after longtime fixture Tony Reno stepped down in February, said a quarterback tried to fit a pass over Kamara, an Interboro High graduate. What came next is etched into Cahill’s mind.
How did UCLA’s defense get its Philly flavor? Meet defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler
Colin Hitschler can still envision his earliest memories of wrestling and football, the sports that directly tie him to his father, Charles. He’d sit on his father’s lap in the corner of a wrestling mat, and roam the sidelines as his father coached football, often serving as the ball boy. He says “coaching was probably in my blood,” but it wasn’t until he spent time away from football that he actually developed the itch to do it.
The Eagles will need dominant defense to reach the playoffs. The film says these are their strengths (and shortcomings)
There aren’t many silver linings to take from the Eagles’ three-game losing streak, with the last two games slipping away despite late fourth-quarter leads. The offense continues to struggle, particularly in the second half, and the lack of a running game is part of the Eagles’ inability to close out games effectively.
Jalen Hurts’ redemption arc, DeVonta Smith’s social justice, and more Eagles moments from the ‘Saban’ docuseries
By now, you’ve likely seen the clip of then-Alabama football coach Nick Saban deciding to replace Jalen Hurts in favor of Tua Tagovailoa during halftime of the 2018 College Football Playoff national championship. That clip, which featured previously unseen footage of Hurts’ benching, went viral late last week after it emerged on social media following the release of ESPN’s Saban documentary series, which began airing Thursday on the network’s app. Wow.
The Eagles offense starts the post-Lane Johnson era on Sunday. The film points the way to where they must adjust.
Adjusting to Sean Mannion’s scheme was always going to take time, but the Eagles offense hit a new low on Sunday. From going 0-for-12 on third downs to being shut out in the second half of the 24-20 loss to the Rams, the offense has not worked as designed and has resulted in an ugly six quarters, dating back to the Bears loss last week. Injuries have started to mount on offense, too.
Pope John Paul II grad Kevin Heywood overcame an ACL tear to become Wisconsin’s starting OT
MADISON, Wis. — Kevin Heywood ran onto the field, in a stadium filled with fans donning the blue and green of Notre Dame and the white and red of Wisconsin. For the second time in school history, the Wisconsin Badgers made the two-plus hour trip to face Notre Dame on Sept. 6 at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers for the last 69 years.
Does Zach Ertz still have the juice to contribute to the Eagles? Here’s what the film — and history — says
The Eagles’ depth at tight end was tested early when Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra both landed on the injured list before the season began. Two weeks in, the Eagles now are also down starting tight end Dallas Goedert, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Sunday’s win over the Titans. An old friend, Zach Ertz, reunited with the Eagles on Monday, signing with the team’s practice squad.
Temple’s ‘FPC’ mantra has fueled the defense’s big leap in Year 2 under DC Brian L. Smith
After Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht’s pass whizzed past Andrew Rappleyea’s head and incomplete on fourth and goal from Temple’s 2-yard-line in the first quarter last Saturday, Owls safety Saboor Karriem pointed at the Nittany Lions tight end and gave him a piece of his mind on the way back to the sideline.
Matt Campbell and K.C. Keeler meet for the first time as head coaches. The two once took part in a historic D-III playoff game.
Mount Union was facing a fourth-and-5 in overtime, trailing 24-17 in a Division III playoff semifinal game on Dec. 11, 1999. The Purple Raiders, down to their last play, held a 54-game winning streak, then the longest in any division of football, and sought a fourth straight trip to the D-III title game, named the Stagg Bowl. Twenty-seven years later, K.C. Keeler still can see the play crystal-clear.
Sixers’ Jaylen Brown channels outer space with his new signature shoes that are ‘NOT from HERE’
About a year ago, Jaylen Brown and Que Gaskins were searching for creative teams to help Brown’s brand, 741 Performance, launch what they called its “second album” — a sneaker rollout named “NOT from HERE.” Longtime sneaker designers Sean O’Shea and Geoff Deas, whose resumés include brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Converse, and Anta Sports, were among the candidates.
A closer look at the design of Jaylen Brown's new 3D-printed shoes
Skip to content Published Sept. 10, 2026 I am the Night Editor for the Sports desk. I also write about college football and cover the NFL draft. Mike Livingston Stephen Whyno, Associated Press Dan Diamond and Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post David Patrick Stearns Brian X.
Temple kept its starters out of the transfer portal. Peter Clarke and others deserve credit.
During the spring, as Temple’s football team started to mesh together returning players and newcomers, via the transfer portal and high school recruits, Peter Clarke, the team’s standout tight end, gathered the entire offense together. The native of London, England, who once taught himself how to play football by watching YouTube videos, hosted his side of the ball at his house for a brunch.
Matt Campbell’s rise to Penn State
On Christmas mornings while growing up in Northeast Ohio, Matt and Scott Campbell were excited to fulfill what became a yearly tradition. Most kids raced toward the Christmas tree to open presents and celebrate the holiday, but not the two brothers, who were born four years apart. They raced out the door to get a football game in, even when snow covered the ground. Those games were one-on-one, mano a mano. Matt “had quite an impressive [size] advantage on me,” Scott said.
Philly natives Eric Gentry and Ke’Shawn Williams will make their bid for a roster spot with the Bengals on Friday
When the Eagles host the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night for the preseason finale, neither team will likely send out its starters. But Philly fans will get a glimpse of their own on the opposite sideline. Wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams and linebacker Eric Gentry, both of whom grew up and played their high school ball in Philadelphia, will return to the city that helped mold them into professional football players.
Don’t panic over Eagles rookie tight end Eli Stowers. Here’s where he can improve and who he might become
Optimism is generally high this time of year, especially for an Eagles offense that struggled throughout the 2025 season with consistency and continuity. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s offense has shown flashes of encouraging play along with concerning stretches during training camp, but most fans are excited to watch the offense in full when the season kicks off in a few weeks.
Geno Auriemma’s Philly-area roots shine through in new UConn women’s basketball documentary
Connecticut women’s basketball in the 21st century has been synonymous with dominance, and the central figure to it all has been Norristown native Geno Auriemma. The 72-year-old coach, who took his current job ahead of the 1985 season, has spent more than four decades on the sideline and built the Huskies into one of the most dominant and storied programs in college basketball history.
Penn State ‘White Out’ game scheduled for Oct. 10 against Southern Cal
One of college football’s best atmospheres has an official date. Led by new head coach Matt Campbell, Penn State will host its iconic “White Out” game against Southern California on Oct. 10, the program announced on Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (NBC10, Peacock). The tradition started in 2004 with just the Penn State student section and expanded to the entire stadium in 2007. This will be the 19th year with a full “White Out” in Happy Valley. ⚪️⚪️⚪️ Oct. 10 vs.
Bryce Harper’s got some new cleats, and he’s far from the only one ahead of MLB Players’ Weekend
Last month, Bryce Harper debuted his new Under Armour Harper 11 cleats that payed homage to SEPTA and its colorful map for the MLB All-Star festivities at Citizens Bank Park. Now, his cleats have a new colorway that has already hit retailers — for $140.
Pocono’s racing weekend set on NASCAR’s 2027 calendar as Craftsman Truck Series returns
Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., has been a popular NASCAR destination in the Northeast for more than a half-century, and it’ll again have a three-day weekend of races next year. After taking a year off from hosting the Craftsman Truck Series, the trucks will race again at the “Tricky Triangle” on June 11, 2027, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race a day later on June 12. The weekend will culminate with the NASCAR Cup Series on June 13.
LeBron James releasing sneaker to commemorate only All-Star Game he missed
LeBron James, in the midst of his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, already had his All-Star sneakers from Nike designed and created 22 years ago. Though James averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists during the 2003-04 season, he was snubbed by NBA coaches because of the Cavs’ losing record.
LeBron James unveils new signature shoe ahead of 24th NBA season and Sixers debut
The offseason heading into LeBron James’ 24th season has already been full of fireworks, and his latest social media post added to the anticipation for his 76ers debut later this fall.
Bryson Stott’s ‘Field of Dreams’ cleats — featuring Harry Kalas, Roy Halladay, and more Phillies legends — were born in Downingtown
Bryson Stott has worn plenty of unusual cleats over the years, from his many Phillies-themed kicks to last year’s Elmo-inspired Sesame Street footwear to honor his daughter, Braxtyn. That’s thanks to a partnership with Ryan Stevens and his company, NXT LVL Customs, which dates to 2023. And the latest cleats Stevens and NXT LVL Customs have unveiled for Stott honor an iconic baseball movie.
The Linc will host two HBCU football games, including Delaware State-Norfolk State rematch
After drawing a crowd of 47,266 in the HBCU Battle of the Legends game last fall, DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State and Michael Vick’s Norfolk State will meet again in South Philly. In a release from both schools, the rematch between the former Eagles teammates is set for Oct. 31 at Lincoln Financial Field. Last year, Jackson’s Delaware State squad held off a late rally from Vick’s Norfolk State for a 27-20 victory.
HBCU football is returning to the Linc this fall when Lincoln University hosts Virginia Union
Following the success of Michael Vick’s Norfolk State and DeSean Jackson’s matchup in the HBCU Battle of the Legends game last fall at Lincoln Financial Field, more historically Black college and university football is coming to South Philadelphia this fall. The Eagles are coordinating with the City of Philadelphia to host an HBCU weekend that could feature one or two games at the Linc, according to a team spokesperson.
Vanessa Bryant gives social media a preview of new Kobe shoes on the horizon — including an Eagles colorway
A few months after Nike paid homage to Kobe Bryant's Lower Merion roots with a full collection for the 30th anniversary of his state championship run, it appears more locally inspired shoes are on the way next year. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, gave fans a sneak preview of new Kobe releases on the horizon, and among them are Eagles-inspired Kobe 5s in Protro form.
Vanessa Bryant gives social media a preview of new Kobe shoes on the horizon — including an Eagles colorway
A few months after Nike paid homage to Kobe Bryant’s Lower Merion roots with a full collection for the 30th anniversary of his state championship run, it appears more locally inspired shoes are on the way next year. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, gave fans a sneak preview of new Kobe releases on the horizon, and among them are Eagles-inspired Kobe 5s in Protro form. Nike is dropping a Kobe 5 Protro "Philadelphia Eagles” color-way. They will release in January 2027 and retail at $200.
Vanessa Bryant gives social media a preview of new Kobe shoes on the horizon — including an Eagles colorway
If there's one shoe proving comfort has finally become cool, it's the Nike ACG Rufus. In an era where just about every reliable sneaker now comes …
Bryce Harper pays tribute to SEPTA with debut of new line of Under Armour cleats
Bryce Harper is not shy about showing love to the Philadelphia area, and his latest cleats are no exception. On Tuesday, Under Amour released the UA Harper 11, the Phillies star’s 11th signature cleat with the company. And the first colorway, named “All Lines Lead Home,” is inspired by SEPTA and its colorful map, symbolizing the “many paths players, fans, and visitors take to reach the city,” the brand wrote in a release.
St. Joseph’s Prep receiver Jett Harrison commits to Ohio State
Jett Harrison is following in his older brother Marvin Jr.’s footsteps. On Wednesday, Jett announced his pledge to Ohio State on social media. Harrison, a rising junior at St. Joseph’s Prep, is ranked No. 4 by 247Sports’ composite rankings and is the top overall player nationally on the 2028 Rivals300 recruiting list. Harrison finished with 15 receiving touchdowns as a sophomore for the Prep, which finished 5-5 last season and lost to La Salle College High in the Catholic League final.
'There was no Plan B'
By Devin Jackson - The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) LONG POND, Pa. - Lavar Scott is accustomed to reaching top speeds around a racetrack. But for a few hours last Friday night, less than 24 hours before his race at Pocono Raceway, he took a beat. Standing in front of a room of about 40 people at Holy Ghost Distillery, roughly 10 miles west of the track, Scott, a Carneys Point, Salem County, native, told stories about his racing family. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency.
Lavar Scott, one of NASCAR's three Black drivers, is chasing greatness and not looking back: ‘There was no Plan B'
LONG POND, Pa. - Lavar Scott is accustomed to reaching top speeds around a racetrack. But for a few hours last Friday night, less than 24 hours before his race at Pocono Raceway, he took a beat. Standing in front of a room of about 40 people at Holy Ghost Distillery, roughly 10 miles west of the track, Scott, a Carneys Point, Salem County, native, told stories about his racing family.
‘There was no Plan B’
LONG POND, Pa. — Lavar Scott is accustomed to reaching top speeds around a racetrack. But for a few hours last Friday night, less than 24 hours before his race at Pocono Raceway, he took a beat. Standing in front of a room of about 40 people at Holy Ghost Distillery, roughly 10 miles west of the track, Scott, a Carneys Point, Salem County, native, told stories about his racing family.
What makes Pocono Raceway, a track nestled in the mountains, NASCAR’s best? Everyone seems to have a similar answer.
LONG POND, Pa. — Almost 20 years ago, when NASCAR driver Michael McDowell was coming through the racing ranks as a young driver, he first encountered Pocono Raceway as part of the ARCA Series. The race, which he won by passing Jeremy Clements with about a half-mile left in the 2½-mile track, helped grow McDowell’s recognition as a young driver and made him an early fan favorite when, a year later in 2008, he returned to the track as part of NASCAR’s Cup eries.
Philly’s Andre Mintze retired from football to work in healthcare. Now, he’s back to chase another UFL championship.
When Andre Mintze decided to end his brief retirement from football last week, two games before the DC Defenders were set to defend their United Football League title, he didn’t anticipate it to be a “big deal.” The spring football league had been Mintze’s continued connection with the sport for the last three years.
What the film predicts about Dontayvion Wicks’ and Eli Stowers’ impact for the Eagles in 2026
No position group saw more changes on offense for the Eagles than wide receiver, from drafting Makai Lemon in the first round in April to trading A.J. Brown to the Patriots earlier this week. Brown’s departure leaves a large gap in production from last season. DeVonta Smith is the unquestioned top wideout and Dallas Goedert will return for at least another season at tight end, but a room mixed with veterans and young players will be expected to produce.
Penn State and Temple set a kickoff time for their Week 2 matchup at Lincoln Financial Field
When Penn State and Temple face off in football for the first time in a decade this fall, it will be among a nationally televised audience. On Wednesday, both the Owls and Nittany Lions announced early kickoff times for their fall slate, including the Sept. 12 matchup between the two programs at Lincoln Financial Field. The game will kick off at noon and air on ESPN2.
What the film says Eagles pass rusher Jonathan Greenard does best, and how it will lift Vic Fangio’s defense
While plenty of eyes during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) next week will be fixed on the Eagles’ new-look offense at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, a compelling newcomer on the other side of the ball is edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, whom the team acquired via trade during last month’s NFL draft. The Eagles added Greenard to bolster a room led by with third- and fourth-year players Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith, respectively.
Golfers can’t wear shorts, but in 1983 at Oakmont, one did. And it started over a beef with officials at Merion.
PHILADELPHIA (TNS) — Shorts in golf (or the lack thereof, for that matter) has been a decades-long debate within the sport. While players are now allowed to wear shorts in practice rounds, the PGA Tour does not allow its players to wear them during competitive rounds. But that doesn’t mean players haven’t tried to force a rule change.
Golfers can't wear shorts, but in 1983 at Oakmont, one did. And it started over a beef with officials at Merion.
PHILADELPHIA - Shorts in golf (or the lack thereof, for that matter) has been a decades-long debate within the sport. While players are now allowed to wear shorts in practice rounds, the PGA Tour does not allow its players to wear them during competitive rounds. But that doesn't mean players haven't tried to force a rule change.
Golfers can’t wear shorts, but in 1983 at Oakmont, one did. And it started over a beef with officials at Merion.
PHILADELPHIA — Shorts in golf (or the lack thereof, for that matter) has been a decades-long debate within the sport. While players are now allowed to wear shorts in practice rounds, the PGA Tour does not allow its players to wear them during competitive rounds.
Golfers can’t wear shorts, but in 1983 at Oakmont, one did. And it started over a beef with officials at Merion.
Shorts in golf (or the lack thereof, for that matter) has been a decades-long debate within the sport. While players are now allowed to wear shorts in practice rounds, the PGA Tour does not allow its players to wear them during competitive rounds. But that doesn’t mean players haven’t tried to force a rule change. Forrest Fezler, a golfer in the 1970s and 80s, famously changed out of pants and into shorts as a form of dress code protest during the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont, near Pittsburgh.
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